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September 19, 2008
Carter Talks how to go Green
LA-based Carter Oosterhouse recently spoke with Kathy Price-Robinson of the LA Times about going green and his shows on HGTV. Aside from "Carter Can," and hosting HGTV’s "Green Home Giveaway" on April 22, Carter has a new design show titled "Red, Hot, and Green" which will premiere in June '08.
Growing up in Michigan, Carter was introduced to health and nutrition at an early age by his parents. This eventually led to environmental consciousness. "My parents were "green" before it was the thing to do or even called that," comments Carter about his parents’ people and earth-friendly lifestyle. As an adult, Carter embraces environmental friendliness in his profession and in his life. At home, Carter weatherproofs and uses low volatile organic compound (VOC—aka earth friendly) paints. He also uses indigenous plants in his yard.
When asked why many people are hesitant to be more environmentally friendly, Carter believes that this is due to the newness of green living and the fact that many people still don’t really understand the whole concept or the idea that one can transition into the eco-lifestyle. Carter encourages homeowners on "Carter Can" to go green one step at a time. Carter suggests that the easiest way is for them "to seal up their home with weather stripping, use no or low VOC paints . . . Also, they can save on energy costs simply by using CFL’s and Energy Star appliances." Such energy saving advice is something that many homeowners can understand and adapt easily.
Finally, Carter mentions that his new HGTV show "Red, Hot & Green" features amazing "design that people will be attracted to, but green materials will be the foundation of our renovation. Our whole idea is not to scare people away, but show them that you don’t have to sacrifice beautiful design when using green products." Perhaps "Red, Hot & Green" will make it easier and more entertaining for people to go green one show at a time.
Source: La Times
